Sanofi-aventis reports positive cancer drug trial findings

Sanofi-aventis has presented positive results from a phase III clinical trial of cabazitaxel, its investigational compound for sufferers of metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

The pharmaceutical company’s study of the developmental drug was conducted in 146 trial sites across 26 different nations, with a total of 755 patients assessed.

It was found that those using the Sanofi-aventis drug experienced improved progression-free survival rates compared to those using the alternative treatment mitoxantrone.

Dr Debasish Roychowdhury, senior vice-president of global oncology at Sanofi-aventis, described the results as “compelling”.

He added: “Providing new options and hope for patients with serious diseases ? is what drives our ongoing commitment to researching and exploring novel anti-cancer compounds and to bringing these medicines to patients.”

Last month, the company received a recommendation from Europe’s European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for the approval of Humenza, its new vaccine for H1N1 influenza.